We signed up for this cruise based on the itinerary so we were very disappointed in the excursion changes an omissions. We didn’t find the food exceptional but we certainly had plenty of it. I have to emphasize that the international staff on this ship is their very best asset!
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Boarded before rooms were ready - cafe was extremely crowded.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Polo Grill and Toscana were both really good. We ate most meals at Terrace Cafe for variety and ability to control portions. Grand Dining room - not great food and not great service. Other restaurants all had wonderful staff.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Fitness center was large and had great equipment. Didn’t partake of many other onboard activities.
Entertainment
We took this cruise for the itinerary so we didn’t experience much of the entertainment.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service personnel on the ship were excellent. Everyone was friendly, efficient, and professional. The staff is the best part of this ship!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Although this ship is outdated and due for an update later this year, it was spotlessly clean and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Our cabin was spacious and comfortable. We choose a higher level to obtain a larger bathroom. However, the bathroom was tiny and the tub/shower was treacherous to get in and out of. They definitely need to improve the bathrooms on this ship.
Penang is a nicer smaller town than KL. The Peranakan Mansion was wonderful. However, we had signed up to go to the Batik Factory and they made a change in our itinerary which eliminated this stop. Beware of the changes they make with no notification. Apparently you have to constantly monitor your excursions to make sure you get what you want? Ridiculous.
This was the second day that a stop on our itinerary was eliminated without us knowing. Our excursion was supposed to be for 5 1/2 hours and ended up at 4 hours so no reason not to go to extra places. We complained and were given a partial refund for this excursion but that doesn’t help us get back there to do it over!
Days at sea were actually enjoyable and a nice recovery from the incredibly high temperatures we experienced in ports this time of year - over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
We spent 3 days in this port. Many parts of the itinerary changed because everything was closed for the annual “water festival”. The timing was terrible because we didn’t get to see things we had planned on. Also, we got very sick of getting drenched with water by the locals every time we emerged from the bus.
Feature was seeing the Chinese fishing nets which are now simply a tourist attraction so not very appealing. Dutch Museum is interesting for old murals. Jew St. was quite interesting.
This was a great tour with features in addition to our itinerary. Indian house with owner in attendance was a highlight. Got lucky to see a Hindu wedding in progress at a temple.
This port doesn’t offer a lot although the Portuguese house was nice. We were taken to yet another vegetable market. The first couple of these were interesting but in every single port?
We loved Mumbai. The guide was exceptional and the city is fascinating. A wonderful lunch was provided at a restaurant that looked more like a museum. The market here was more interesting than the others and we had a little time to look around on our own. We would like to return to Mumbai. However, one major problem - we didn’t get to see the Dhobi Ghat. How can you plan an all day excursion and leave that out? Many people were complaining about this omission.
This port was mildly interesting but the excursion was mostly a waste of time. I think the only reason for stopping here is to get close to the final port - Dubai.
We got off the ship here and spent several nights. It is an interesting city - like Las Vegas on steroids. We can’t think of a single reason to ever return here.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
